| Family | Pieridae |
|---|---|
| Subfamily | Coliadinae |
| Genus | Colias |
| Species | hecla |
| Authority | Lefèbvre, 1836 |
| English Name | Northern Clouded Yellow |
| European Red List 2010 | Near Threatened (NT) |
|---|---|
| EU 27 Red List 2010 | Near Threatened (NT) |
| European Red List 2025 | Vulnerable (VU) |
| EU 27 Red List 2025 | Endangered (EN) |
| Habitats Directive | |
| Bern Convention | |
| CITES |
The Northern Clouded Yellow occurs in the mountains of Lapland above the birch zone, on open, grassy meadows, and stony slopes. The butterflies fly very quickly and are difficult to approach. Eggs are laid singly or in small groups on the larval foodplants, or on neighbouring plants. Alpine Milk- vetch (Astragalus alpinus) is the most important foodplant, but other milk-vetches (Astragalus spp.) may also be used. The caterpillars feed on the flowers, leaves and stems, sometimes taking two years to complete their life-cycle. Hibernation can take place as a caterpillar or a pupa.
Finland / Norway / European Russia / Sweden /
No larval foodplants are available for this species.